When you check out Atlanta United’s attack in 2025, one name pops up right away: Emmanuel Latte Lath. He rocks the number 19 shirt, and the Ivorian forward has basically become the club’s new focal point since coming over from Middlesbrough.
He honed his craft in Europe, kicking things off at Atalanta in Italy, then proving himself in England before heading for MLS.
E. Latte Lath’s net worth mainly comes from his MLS-record $22 million transfer fee and a contract worth over $14 million through 2028, which puts him among the league’s highest-paid strikers (Spotrac, Capology, The Mirror). You can feel the weight of that investment every time he plays—he’s got pace, strength, and a knack for finishing.
His journey started in Atalanta’s youth system, then moved to Middlesbrough, and now Atlanta United. It’s been a steady climb, always built on consistent scoring.
At 26, with experience for both club and Ivory Coast’s national team, he’s entering his prime. The financial backing matches his value on the pitch.
E. Latte Lath: Key Facts and Background
He brings speed, strength, and versatility, shaped by European football and international matches. His path from Ivory Coast to Atlanta United really shows his adaptability and drive to make an impact at the top level.
Full Name and Personal Details
His full name? Emmanuel Delan Junior Latte Lath. Most folks just call him Emmanuel Latte Lath or E. Latte Lath when you see the match sheets.
He grew up in an Ivorian family and carries that identity with pride everywhere he goes.
At 26, he’s hitting those prime years for a striker. You can see his maturity not just in his game but in the way he talks—he speaks French, Italian, English, Spanish, and even a bit of German.
He wears the number 19 for Atlanta United on purpose, too. He picked it to reflect ambition in the central striker spot—one and nine, you know?
Place and Date of Birth
Latte Lath was born on January 1, 1999 in Anoumabo Marcory, a district of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. That’s not just trivia—Ivory Coast has produced a ton of powerful forwards, and he grew up watching them, trying to follow in their footsteps.
He moved to Italy pretty young, which changed everything for him. Growing up in Europe gave him early access to structured football academies, and it was in Italy where he joined Atalanta’s youth system.
That mix of African roots and European tactical discipline really shows in how he plays and adapts to new teams.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
He stands 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) and mainly plays as a striker. His build gives him balance, and his acceleration lets him stretch defenses.
You’ll see him at his best running behind defenders, using his speed to create chances.
He likes to describe himself as rapid and direct—he wants to attack space, not just hold up the ball. That style fits teams that want fast transitions and quick counterattacks.
Here’s a quick look at his key attributes:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Position | Forward / Striker |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Key Strengths | Speed, finishing, movement |
| Shirt Number | 19 |
He’s willing to run, even when he’s tired, and that effort sets him apart from a lot of other forwards. For him, scoring goals is everything, and his work rate really shows it.
Atlanta United Career and Performance
You watched Emmanuel Latte Lath arrive in Atlanta with a lot of hype, a record transfer fee, and the job of leading the attack. His speed and finishing, plus his international experience, changed how Atlanta United FC set up their offense in MLS.
Transfer to Atlanta United FC
Atlanta United signed Latte Lath from Middlesbrough in February 2025 for a reported $22 million, smashing the MLS incoming transfer record. They brought him in as a Designated Player under head coach Ronny Deila, who wanted to play faster and more aggressively.
At 26, the Ivorian striker joined MLS with a proven scoring record in England’s Championship. He put away 29 goals in 67 matches for Middlesbrough, including 16 in the 2023-24 season.
Atlanta United signed him through 2028, with an option for 2029. They’d just brought back Miguel Almirón, and pairing him with Latte Lath gave the team a whole new attacking identity.
Goals and On-Field Impact
Latte Lath’s role is all about pace and direct finishing. He stretches defenses and forces teams like CF Montréal to sit deeper, giving Almirón and Saba Lobjanidze more space to create from midfield.
His scoring record in Europe showed he’s consistent, and early MLS games have followed the same pattern. At Middlesbrough, he averaged 0.58 goals per 90 minutes, putting him among the top six strikers in the Championship.
That efficiency carried over to Atlanta, where he became the main man right away.
Key Career Stats Before MLS
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists | Season Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atalanta (Italy) | 25 | 20 | 5 | Youth titles, breakout year |
| St. Gallen (CH) | 34 | 14 | 4 | Swiss Super League success |
| Middlesbrough | 67 | 29 | 7 | 16 goals in 2023-24 season |
These numbers show why Atlanta United spent so much. You expected goals, but his pressing and off-ball movement also changed how the team defended up front.
Role as Forward Number 19
Wearing number 19, Latte Lath is the heart of Atlanta United’s front line. His job isn’t just to score—he leads the press and sets the tempo for Deila’s system.
He drifts wide to find space, then cuts inside to finish with either foot. His aerial ability—remember that header at Leeds United?—gives Atlanta another weapon on set pieces.
Communication matters a lot, too. Latte Lath speaks five languages—English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese—so he connects easily with a diverse locker room. That helps him build chemistry with Almirón and Lobjanidze.
By taking over the number 19 role, he’s expected to fill the shoes of Josef Martínez and Giorgos Giakoumakis. For Atlanta United fans, his arrival signals ambition and a serious push to stay competitive in MLS.
Net Worth, Salary, and Record Transfers
Emmanuel Latte Lath’s move to Atlanta United turned heads, both for the money involved and the impact on MLS. His net worth, transfer value, and contract details really highlight where he fits in the league’s financial landscape.
Reported Net Worth in 2025
At 26, Latte Lath’s net worth in 2025 is still growing compared to big-name European stars. Most estimates put him in the $3–5 million range, which makes sense since his big payday only came with the Atlanta United move.
Before 2025, he earned modest salaries, but the record-breaking transfer changed his financial trajectory overnight.
Local Atlanta outlets, including Jezebel Magazine, have started to spotlight his rising profile in the city’s sports and cultural scene. That visibility will probably boost his sponsorship and endorsement potential in the next few years.
MLS Record Transfer Fee
Atlanta United spent a reported $22 million plus add-ons to sign Latte Lath from Middlesbrough in February 2025. That broke the MLS record transfer fee, topping the $16.2 million FC Cincinnati paid for Kévin Denkey just months earlier.
This deal didn’t just break league records—it set a new standard for Atlanta United. The club has always invested in attackers, but this move took it to another level.
Check out how the transfer stacks up:
| Transfer | Fee | Year | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Latte Lath | $22m + add-ons | 2025 | Atlanta United |
| Kévin Denkey | $16.2m | 2024 | FC Cincinnati |
| Miguel Almirón | $8m | 2017 | Atlanta United |
You can see how MLS clubs are now willing to spend big, almost like mid-tier European teams.
Salary and Earnings Comparison
Latte Lath signed a four-year designated player contract with Atlanta United through 2028, with a club option for 2029. In 2025, he’s earning a base salary of $3,534,546 and has a cap hit of $4,030,546 (Spotrac).
Compared to the top earners in MLS, who make around $5–7 million per year, Latte Lath is right up there in the upper tier.
Here’s a quick salary comparison for 2025:
| Player | Team | Base Salary (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Latte Lath | Atlanta United | $3.53m |
| Lorenzo Insigne | Toronto FC | $7.5m |
| Xherdan Shaqiri | Chicago Fire | $7.35m |
His pay reflects both his potential and Atlanta’s record investment.
Endorsements and Public Image
Latte Lath isn’t one of the most marketable MLS players just yet, but moving to Atlanta United puts him in a good spot to change that. Atlanta’s got a strong media scene, and its athletes often get noticed outside the stadium.
He doesn’t have a ton of endorsement deals at the moment, but being the league’s record signing will open doors with local and international brands. Sportswear and lifestyle companies seem like obvious fits.
His background helps, too. Born in Ivory Coast, developed in Europe, now starring in MLS—he appeals to a wide audience. If he lives up to the hype, you’ll probably see his off-field earnings grow steadily.
Club Career Path: From Europe to MLS
Emmanuel Latte Lath’s career looks like a steady climb, shaped by opportunity and persistence. He built his foundation in Italy, developed through loan moves, proved himself in Switzerland, and then found consistent production in England before making the jump to Atlanta United.
Atalanta and Italian League Experience
Latte Lath kicked off his professional journey with Atalanta, a club that’s got a real knack for developing young talent in Italy. He worked his way up through the Primavera system, banging in goals at youth level—he even had a wild season with 20 in 25 matches.
At just 17, he stepped onto the pitch for his senior debut in Serie A. His minutes were short, but Atalanta clearly liked his speed and those sharp finishing instincts. You could already spot hints of that direct, goal-focused style that’s become his trademark.
He also played in Serie B, where he picked up more experience against tough, physical defenders. Those games forced him to get smarter with his movement off the ball. The Italian leagues really drilled in the tactical discipline that he’d later use in Switzerland and England.
Loan Spells and Development
Atalanta sent Latte Lath out on several loan spells to speed up his development. Those moves gave him real playing time and a chance to figure out different systems.
He spent stints at Pescara, Pistoiese, Carrarese, Imolese, Pianese, Pro Patria, and SPAL. Each club taught him something new. At Pescara, he figured out how to work in a two-striker formation. At Carrarese, he got better at counterattacking.
Bouncing around wasn’t always a breeze, but it definitely built up his resilience. By the time he circled back to Atalanta, Latte Lath had racked up plenty of minutes across Italy’s lower leagues. Those experiences shaped him into a forward who could handle different tactical demands and still find the net.
Middlesbrough and EFL Championship
His biggest leap came when he joined Middlesbrough FC in the EFL Championship. England’s second tier has a reputation for being physical and relentless, but Latte Lath adapted fast.
He scored 29 goals in 67 games for Boro, including 16 in the 2023-24 season. That year, he hit a hot streak in April, netting eight goals in six matches and snagging Player of the Month.
| Season | Club | Competition | Goals | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Middlesbrough | EFL Championship | 16 | 39 |
| 2024-25 | Middlesbrough | All Competitions | 13 | 28 |
He’s scored with both feet and his head, making him a complete forward. Atlanta United took notice and signed him as a designated player in 2024.
St. Gallen and Swiss Super League
Before his move to England, Latte Lath had a strong season with St. Gallen in the Swiss Super League. That stretch mattered because he proved he could deliver consistent results at a top-flight level.
In just one season, he put up 14 goals and 4 assists. His pace and movement fit perfectly in Switzerland, where open play and quick transitions played to his strengths.
St. Gallen gave him the chance to be a leading scorer instead of just a squad player. You could say it was the first time he really carried a team’s attack for a full season. That success opened the door to Middlesbrough and, later, Atlanta United.
International Career with Ivory Coast
Emmanuel Latte Lath’s growth goes beyond his club career—he now represents the Ivory Coast at senior level. His international debut came during a World Cup qualifying campaign, and he’s built his role through steady appearances rather than big stats. His journey shows patience, adaptability, and the importance of squad depth.
Debut and National Team Role
Latte Lath made his first appearance for Ivory Coast on June 7, 2024, in a World Cup qualifier against Gabon in Korhogo. He came on late, in the 86th minute, and helped secure a 1–0 win.
His role so far has been about earning trust within the squad, not just making an instant impact. With more established forwards ahead of him, he’s mostly come off the bench, bringing fresh legs and energy.
He brings versatility as a striker, which gives the national team different tactical options. He hasn’t locked down a starting spot yet, but his speed and movement make him a threat who can stretch defenses.
National Team Stats (as of June 2025):
| Year | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 0 | 0 |
World Cup Qualifier Performances
In qualifiers, coaches have used Latte Lath sparingly, but he’s made his minutes count. His debut against Gabon showed the staff trusts him in meaningful games.
He got on the pitch again in later qualifiers, where his pressing and off-the-ball runs opened up space for others. He hasn’t scored yet, but fans and analysts have noticed his work rate.
Ivory Coast often leans on squad depth to get through long qualifying campaigns. Lath’s ability to step up when called on gives them some flexibility, especially when tactics need tweaking. If he keeps this up, he’ll probably see more minutes as qualifiers roll on.
Major Tournaments and Achievements
Latte Lath hasn’t played in a major tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup yet. Breaking into a team stacked with experienced forwards isn’t easy.
Still, his move to Atlanta United and his strong club form should boost his chances for future tournaments. Coaches love players who perform consistently in tough leagues.
He’ll likely get his next shot in continental competitions, where Ivory Coast is always in the mix for trophies. If he keeps growing, he could add tournament experience to his résumé, which already includes EFL Championship Player of the Month in April 2024.
His international career is just getting started, but honestly, you get the sense there’s more to come.
Career Highlights, Awards, and Recognition
Emmanuel Latte Lath’s career really shows steady progress in Europe and now Major League Soccer. He’s earned individual honors, team success, and a reputation as a reliable striker.
EFL Championship Player of the Month
Before heading to Atlanta United, Latte Lath made a name for himself in England with Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship. His hot streak earned him the EFL Championship Player of the Month award, which really highlighted how quickly he adapted to the league.
That award wasn’t just about his goals. It recognized his work rate, smart positioning, and consistent finishing over several matches. His movement in the box and calmness in front of goal set him apart from other forwards.
The honor raised his profile across Europe, drawing interest from clubs outside of England. It marked a key moment in his career, proving he could deliver in a tough league and keep it up over a full month.
| Month | Club | Goals | Assists | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 2023 | Middlesbrough | 4 | 1 | Player of the Month |
Top Scorer Titles and Team Achievements
Latte Lath came up through Atalanta’s system in Italy, playing alongside big names like Alejandro Gómez. He got valuable minutes in Serie A and cup competitions, including the Coppa Italia.
He didn’t pick up any major trophies in Italy, but those loan spells across Europe gave him the chance to become a top scorer at several clubs. At Middlesbrough, he finished among the leading scorers and helped push the team toward playoff contention in the Championship.
Now at Atlanta United, he’s carrying the weight of being a Designated Player No. 9—a role that’s all about goals and leadership. His $22 million transfer shows just how much the club expects him to deliver, both as a scorer and as a leader in MLS.
Notable Matches and Memorable Moments
Some matches just stick out in Latte Lath’s career. When he faced Juventus in Italy, he jumped into a Coppa Italia tie and went head-to-head with one of Europe’s toughest defenses. That kind of challenge? It gave him a real boost, and honestly, probably made him believe he could play at a higher level.
Over in England, he scored some late winners for Middlesbrough that fans still talk about. Those goals didn’t just grab points—they really started to build his reputation as someone who steps up when the pressure’s on.
After joining Atlanta United, he wasted no time making an impact in MLS. People still talk about his stoppage-time goal against Toronto. That moment showed off his cool finishing and his knack for showing up when it matters most. These matches keep adding layers to his reputation as a forward who just seems to thrive when the stakes are high.
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